It's too early to write off the old American M60 tanks. Yesterday, November 9, the portal armyrecognition.com He announced that the Taiwan National Institute of Science and Technology of Zhong Shan (NCSIST) will begin a partial modernization of the M60A3 MBT from next year.
Modernization will primarily affect combat systems. So, the target detection and fire control system will be improved. The changes will also affect tank machine guns and protection systems. The contract with NCSIST is for three years, and its value is $15.9 million.
M60A3 tanks of the Republic of China
Image source: armyrecognition.com
The M60 tank was developed by Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant between 1957 and 1959 based on the M48 medium tank. During serial production (from 1959 to 1987), about 15,000 M60 units were produced in three versions (M60A1, M60A2 and M60A3). In addition, a modification of the M60120S has been developed, which increases the combat capabilities of the tank to the level of M1A1 Abrams. In addition to the US Armed Forces, M60 tanks are in service with the armies of Bahrain, Yemen, Oman, Sudan, Taiwan, Tunisia and a number of other countries.
As of 2020, Taiwan was armed with 565 main battle tanks: 200 M60A3, 100 M48A5 and 265 M48H Brave Tiger. In addition, deliveries of M1A2T Abrams tanks are planned from next year.
